Chicago City Wire

Chicago 15th Ward Alderman Ray Lopez, a candidate for the 4th Congressional District, had harsh words for his opponent incumbent U.S. Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-IL) for comments made against Israel in the wake of the Hamas attacks on Israeli civilians.

“The United States was not sympathetic to terrorists after 9/11, and we should not be sympathetic to the terror Hamas inflicted on our Jewish brothers and sisters this past weekend,” Lopez said on Facebook.

“True to his character and his record, Garcia is sympathetic to terrorists, whether overseas or here at home. This is a pattern he’s kept in every political office he’s held since the 90s.”

“Nothing was more evident than his dangerous stance on Israel’s defense when, in 2019, he led 16 House Democrats to oppose a resolution condemning the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement against Israel.”

“Most recently, in 2021, Garcia again voted against the approval of $1 billion in supplemental aid for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system - the very system designed to shoot down rockets and mortars aimed at Israeli neighborhoods.”

“Garcia’s policies and anti Israel sentiments are not only disgusting but also dangerous for the stability and peace in the region.”

“We can no longer allow his apologist leadership to infect this State or our Congress. We deserve a congressman who’s strong on issues this important to voters in Illinois at a time when our freedom and the freedom of our allies are at stake.”

“I have never backed down from those who wish to destabilize communities or terrorize our people. As your next Congressman, I will stand strong against all that would threaten the safety and security of America and her allies.”

The Republican National Committee called out Garcia, Lopez’s opponent for his support of Hamas. Garcia asserted that Israel had “provoked” the rocket attacks by Hamas. He was one of several House Democrats who were accused of aligning with Hamas in their criticism of Israel’s response to rocket attacks, with some Democrats suggesting that Israel had provoked the attacks. This created a perception of rhetoric that closely resembled Hamas’ propaganda.

Garcia was among other leftist organizations that threw their support behind Hamas. The Chicago Democratic Socialists of America posted a note to Facebook saying the attack, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,300 innocent Israelis, was Israel’s fault.

“Today’s events are a direct result of Israel’s apartheid regime-a regime that receives billions in funding from the United States,” the Chicago Democratic Socialists of America said on Facebook.

Garcia has direct ties to organized crime in Chicago. His son, Samuel Garcia, a 39-year-old known for his involvement with the Gangster Two Six Nation and a history of gang-related arrests, still resides with his father and shares the same voting address.

Earlier this year, during Garcia’s unsuccessful run for Chicago mayor, Chicago’s Morning Answer co-host Amy Jacobson raised concerns about Garcia’s political connections, pointing to allegations of his susceptibility to bribery and his financial ties to figures like Sam Bankman-Fried, a former crypto exchange CEO, and his controversial campaign donations, Chicago City Wire previously reported. At the time, Garcia had recently released an advertisement addressing his son’s involvement in gang activities without providing specific details, attributing it to a near loss to gang life.

Furthermore, Garcia’s prior campaign promise to eliminate red light cameras in the city has come under scrutiny, as he reportedly accepted campaign donations from individuals later linked to bribery schemes, compromising his credibility.

Lori Lightfoot, who was mayor at the time also raised concerns about Garcia’s connection to a campaign donor involved in a controversial contract decision in Cook County.

The revelations cast a shadow over Garcia’s ability to address issues related to gang violence and public integrity.